“It’s not about the intruder, Kit,” answered Wrexford. “These men are here from Huntingdonshire because they’ve discovered a body, and in the unfortunate fellow’s pocket was an invitation to the wedding.”
Sheffield swore under his breath. “Was it Oliver Carrick?” he demanded of Whalley and Goffe. “My wife’s cousin never arrived. We assumed the storms made travel impossible.”
“I’m sorry, sir, but I cannot say,” responded the magistrate. “There was nothing in the man’s pockets save for the wedding invitation.”
“Carrick is a slender fellow, about my height and several years younger, with light brown hair,” offered Sheffield. “I don’t recall the color of his eyes.”
Whalley looked at Goffe, who hesitated before answering. “Based on that vague description, all I can say for certain is that our corpsecouldbe your wife’s cousin.” Goffe shuffled his feet. “Is there no specific physical detail you can tell me that might help?”
Sheffield shook his head. “I only met him once, and that was during a crowded reception at the Royal Institution.”
“But as the fellow had the wedding invitation in his pocket, it stands to reason that it is Carrick,” mused Wrexford.
Goffe didn’t demur.
“By the by, you have not yet mentioned how he died,” continued the earl.
A reasonable question, thought Charlotte. And yet the two visitors exchanged nervous looks before the magistrate cleared his throat.
“The old bridge at King’s Crossing was badly damaged by the severe storms that blew through the area,” explained Whalley, “and could only be crossed by walking across one of the two narrow support beams. The man was found on the rocks below—”
Wrexford couldn’t contain his impatience. “So you are saying it was a wretched accident and he fell to his death.”
Another awkward silence.
“What the devil is going on?” growled Sheffield after it had lingered for several long moments.
Charlotte released an inward sigh, fearing that none of them were going to like the answer.
It was Goffe who ventured an answer. “We thought it was an unfortunate accident at first. But after the body was taken to my mortuary room, I did a closer examination and . . .”
He swallowed hard. “And I discovered evidence of foul play.”
“Explain yourself,” demanded the earl.
“The body was lying on the rocks just below the bridge, but something about the angle of the fall bothered me,” explained Goffe. “And once I had the body unclothed, I saw there was little sign of bleeding from the damage done by the fall, which made no sense. So I looked more closely and discovered a small but unmistakable stab wound between his left ribs. His clothing confirmed my surmise as I found a corresponding slit in his jacket and shirt.”
Goffe squared his shoulders. “So, I am quite certain that Mr. Carrick was murdered with a thin-bladed knife.”
“Thank you for being so observant,” said Charlotte. “Any victim of foul play, no matter their identity, deserves justice.”
“I agree, milady,” replied Goffe. He turned to the earl. “The wedding invitation mentioned your name, sir, and I recognized it right away. You see, during my medical training in London, I worked at a surgery run by Basil Henning, who often mentioned you. So I suggested to Squire Whalley that we come in person to inform you.”
“Seeing as you are accorded to be quite an expert in solving murders,” added the magistrate.
“A skill I do not look to sharpen,” muttered Wrexford. “Especially now.”
Whalley shifted uncomfortably. “Again, milord, we deeply regret intruding on your celebration.”
“It seems to me that we have good reason to trust Mr. Goffe’s judgment,” responded Charlotte, after the earl turned to stare out the windows without making a reply.
Sheffield, however, didn’t appear entirely convinced. “That may be so. But I should feel more at ease if we ask Baz to take a look at the body—especially if it is Carrick—and judge for himself.”
“Mr. Henning ishere?” Goffe’s expression brightened.
“He is,” replied Wrexford. “I shall, of course, inform him of the situation. I’m sure he will be happy to offer a second opinion.”
“However, it’s too late to make the return trip to Huntingdonshire. The two of you will stay here tonight, and then leave with Henning in the morning,” said Charlotte to Whalley and Goffe. “I’ll have our housekeeper show you to your rooms in our guest wing and then take you to the kitchen for some sustenance. You must be tired and hungry after your travels.”
